All about the Gaumukh Tapovan Trek.

Bringing passion, spirituality, and adrenaline in one single trek is a menacing combination, and the mesmerizing Gaumukh Tapovan trek promises much more than that! The trek cuts through Gaumukh, the source of the river Ganga which can be seen cascading down the snout of the Gangotri glacier. While numerous neighboring massifs like the Bhagirathi twin peaks, and Mt. Meru can be seen, the most ensnaring sight is the majestic Mt. Shivling which chaperones the entire trek, unfolding bit by bit every hour until it looms over you in stark entirety, rendering you dumbfounded. Another marvel in the form of the stunning meadow of Tapovan awaits you, perched right above Gaumukh.

Max. Altitude- 14,202 ft. Duration- 8 days

Trek Highlights:

1. Gaumukh forms the mouth of the Holy Ganga river as seen in its purest form.

2. Witness the magnificence of Mt. Shivling, Mt. Meru, and the twins peaks of Mt. Bhagirathi.

3. Experience spiritual reverence like never before!

Trek Itinerary

Day 1 : Report To Base Camp

Altitude: 10,055 ft

Travel Time: 10-12 hours’ drive

On day one, trekkers will be driven to Dharali from Dehradun, which makes for a 10-12 hours’ drive. Shaded by lofty mountains and beautiful Deodar forests, Dharali is also the base village for the Kedartal Trek. Rest overnight, and gear up for the trek beginning the following day from Gangotri, the source of river Ganga.

Day 2 : Drive To Gangotri, and Trek to Chirbasa

Altitude: 11,761 ft

Distance : 9 km

Time Taken: 1 hour’s drive, 6 hours’ trek

Begin early in the morning by driving from Dharali to Gangotri. Start trekking towards Chirbasa, the trail to which snakes through a lush forest. In a matter of a few minutes, the mighty Sudarshan Parbat (21,345 ft.) greets you. Take trail proceeding towards the left side of the mountain, to the right of which the roaring Bhagirathi river can be seen. A little further up, you can see one of the first streams and waterfalls of the trek. Crossing a makeshift bridge and a few more streams will bring you mindblowing vistas of the valley. A few hours of trekking will land you at the Chirbasa campsite sitting beside the Bhagirathi river and affording great views of the Bhagirathi peaks. You will camp here overnight.

Day 3 : Chirbasa to Bhojbasa, Acclimatization Walk to Gaumukh

Altitude: 12,450 ft.

Distance: 5 km

Time Taken: 3 hours

As you begin your trek from Chirbasa, other towering peaks loom out gracefully. You now embark on the Gaumukh trail. A few minutes later, the beautiful Chirbasa campsite can be seen below, after which the terrain seems rugged and broken in places. Soon, you will face the first ridge of the day. The twin Bhagirathi peaks appear closer as you trek further up the trail. It is not advisable to loiter much as there may be many falling rocks to watch out for. Once you reach Bhojbasa, you are gifted with the first magical glimpse of Mt. Shivling. Go on a short trek to Gaumukh, which takes about 2.5 hours to reach,and is flanked by Mt. Shivling on the right.

Day 4 : Bhojbasa to Tapovan via Gaumukh

Altitude: 14,202 ft.

Distance: 9 km

Time Taken: 7 hours

Take the same trail to Gaumukh as the other day. The most challenging day of the trek, the trail from Gaumukh to Tapovan takes you through rugged glacial moraines and the stunning Gaumukh glacier. Making your way through the landslide prone regions, and the glacial stream Akash-Ganga sends a rush of excitement through your body! A deadly combination of ice and rocks adds to the difficulty level, making it slightly slippery. The initial leg of the climb upto the top of the glacier is a stark ascent of about 100 meters. Soon, you must wade through the chilling Akash-Ganga, post which, a steep ascent of 1.5 hours will bring you to Tapovan. Pitch your tents here for the night.

Day 5 : Acclimatise in and Explore Tapovan

An alpine meadow nestled right at the foot of Mt. Shivling, the mountain can be seen rising from base to summit in breathtaking entirety. Such a splendid view of mountains is something few treks can boast of. The section right beside Mt. Shivling is believed to have been used by sages for meditation, and a few wise men have even made it their abode. Another hour’s trek treats you with jaw-dropping views of yet another behemoth- Mt. Meru. Ensure that you return before 01:30 PM, since the weather conditions tend to change unexpectedly after that.

Day 6 : Tapovan to Chirbasa

Altitude: 11,761 ft.

Distance: 14 km

Time Taken: 8 hours

Trekking back to Gaumukh demands about 4-5 hours of trekking, post which Bhojbasa is only an hour away. Take the same trail back to Chirbasa from there.

Day 7 : Chirbasa to Gangotri, and Drive to Dharali

Altitude: 10,555 ft.

Distance: 9 km

Time Taken: 4.5 hours’ trek, and 1 hour’s drive

The trek back from Chirbasa to Gangotri is quite smooth, and can be traversed comfortably. The trail back is follows the same route taken while ascending. Drive to Dharali from Gangotri. This day marks the end of your trek.

Day 8 : Drive to Dehradun from Dharali

On this day, you will drive back to Dehradun. You will reach Dehradun by 6 or 7 pm.

The tour package inclusions and exclusions at a glance.

Inclusions in the package:

Accommodation: All accommodation on the trek will be on twin sharing basis in Tents or Homestays. Any accommodation in a hotel/guest house/hostel (if mentioned in the itinerary and not mentioned in exclusions) will be in a 2-3 star accommodation unless mentioned otherwise.

Trek Leader and Guides: A team of an experienced and certified Trek Leader, as well as a professional guide, will accompany you for the trek.

Services of a Professional Trekking Team: A team of an experienced Cook, Camp Staff, Porters/Mules will accompany you for all the arrangements on the trek.

Meals: All Meals on the Trek are included. We will serve Vegetarian Indian food on the trek which will be cooked by our high altitude chefs. It will be a five meal plan including Morning Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks and Dinner. You will be provided with clean mountain water from the streams to drink. You can carry water purification tablets if you deem necessary but we advise otherwise.

Trekking and Safety Equipment: All the camping equipment such as Tents, Sleeping bags, Toilet Tents, Dining Tent, Mattresses, and other things will be provided by us and we guarantee the quality. Safety Equipment including Medical kit, Oxygen Cylinder, Oximeter, Crampons & Gaiters(if required) will be provided by us. We recommend you to bring your own sleeping bags if possible.

Permits and Forest Camping Charges: Only for Indian Clients, All the applicable trekking permits, Camping Charges, Forest Entry Fee etc will be paid by us. Foreigners have to pay these charges if not mentioned.

A Life Changing Experience: We assure you that by trekking in the Himalayas you will have a life changing experience and we will do everything we can to provide you with the best services and make your venture in the wild an unforgettable one.

Exclusions in the package:

GST and Other Taxes: The goods and services tax is not included in the price mentioned with the trek. They will be charged once you add the trek in your cart. They are subjected to change according to government rules of India.

Accommodation and Food in Dehradun: Food and stay in Dehradun are not included in the package. You can book your hotels or homestays in Dehradun , we can recommend a few good options.

Flights and Transportation: Flights or other means of transport is not included in the package. Transportation to and fro Dharali from home city/Dehradun is not included in the package. We can arrange a cab for you according to your requirements but you will be liable to pay for the same. Any expenses occurred during the journey are not included in the package cost.

Personal Trekking Equipment: Your Rucksack, personal clothing, shoes, trek poles, and other personal trekking gear is not included in this package. You have to bring your own gear according to that weather and difficulty of the trek.

Portage of Personal Bags(Offloading): We highly advise you to carry your own burden (your rucksack) but due to any reason if you wish to not carry your rucksack, we can arrange for a porter/mule to carry it. For this service, you will be charged over and above the trek cost. The charges for offloading vary with every trek.

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance is not included in this package. We recommend you to have travel insurance before opting for such adventures.

Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred (laundry, Bottled Water, Beverages, snacks, orders tea houses or dhabas, Tips for guides etc) are not included in the package.

Emergency Expenses: Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control are not included in the package.

Anything not mentioned in Inclusions of the package.

Questions about the Trek

Whom is the trek for?

The level of this trek leans more towards difficult, which naturally demands exceptional physical fitness, stamina and endurance. It is strongly advisable to have prior trekking experience of scaling at least 3,500 meters before you approach this trek, which means beginners should stay away. Also, proper acclimatization is key for successful completion of the trek.

What is the best season to attempt the trek?

The months of September and October are ideal for this trek, when most of the snow has melted away, leaving a fresh trail behind. Though the snow prevails above a certain altitude, the lower areas are clear.

What weather conditions can be expected during the trek?

During daytime, the temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees, whereas nights see chilling temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees. The mercury drops to sub-zero temperatures at Tapovan. Carry sufficient warm clothes and socks to shelter yourself against the harsh cold.

Had a very beautiful experience with team Trekmunk on Hampta pass trek. Team was professional specially Salman. Couldn’t get to meet cook and other staff but they were amazing. Would definitely recommend them.read more

It was a very good and adventurous trip where we passed the difficulties of chilling coldness,fog, rain,rocky mountains,thick glaciers,steep slopes,difficult terrains and in all this trekmunk guys helped us in every step..provided good and healthy food and proper tips to sustain this trek. Thanks and cheers for Trekmunk !!!read more

My first Himalayan trek (Hampta Pass) and it was well organised. The trek leader and support staff made sure that all the arrangements are spot on. The food was good, but they could have had some more options for pure vegetarian ( for people who do not eat eggs).
I would surely recommend them !read more

Had awesome experience with Trekmunk for trek to Hampta pass. It was a 4 day moderate level trek. The organisation of trek was very good. Trek leaders were very supportive and gave attention to each individual. Vegetarian food was served with soups and snacks. Overall a very good experience.read more

Had the best time ever!! The Trekmunk team was simply amazing. They took care of everything really well and were very well prepared for anything that came there way. They made sure that Hampta pass was a great experience for all of us :Dread more

Had a really great time with Trekmunk. The trek leads for the Hampta pass and Chandratal Trek were really helpful and understanding all through the 5 days.
Being my first trek, the experience was truly wonderful.read more

Went camping with them to Bhandarara, they organized it pretty well for us. They took care of all our requirements and also gave us the freedom to explore around and relax with few reasonable constraints. Can totally count on them.read more

This was my first ever camping experience and I'm sure that it couldn't have got any better. I lived every moment with a smile. In short it was magical and I wish to go for more trips like this.read more

So far, the best way to explore North east. It was a comprehensive tour which included offbeat trekking places , unique experiences like caving and jungle treks, along with some picturesque sight seeing places. The places of stay provided were comfortable. Overall, a great, fun filled experienceread more